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Gus Grissom Softex Earpiece
Gus Grissom Softex Earpiece
Acquired from JG Autographs
Acquired from JG Autographs
Acquired January 13th 2026
Acquired January 13th 2026
Collection Number TSM-284
Collection Number TSM-284
Virgil “Gus” Grissom NASA-issued custom Softex earpiece, fabricated specifically for Grissom’s left ear for use in spacecraft radio communications and biometric monitoring during the early Apollo program. This precision-molded clear earpiece was produced by Gordon L. Bisel, a Houston-based hearing aid distributor commissioned by NASA in the early 1960s to take ear impressions of Apollo astronauts and manufacture their flight earpieces.
Virgil “Gus” Grissom NASA-issued custom Softex earpiece, fabricated specifically for Grissom’s left ear for use in spacecraft radio communications and biometric monitoring during the early Apollo program. This precision-molded clear earpiece was produced by Gordon L. Bisel, a Houston-based hearing aid distributor commissioned by NASA in the early 1960s to take ear impressions of Apollo astronauts and manufacture their flight earpieces.
The earpiece is composed of proprietary Softex material—designed to remain firm for insertion and then soften at body temperature to create a secure and comfortable seal—technology still used in aerospace and medical applications today. The interior mold is engraved with Grissom’s initials “VIG” (Virgil I. Grissom), identifying it as his personal fitted component. This example was produced as a spare and was not flown or worn in mission use.
The earpiece is composed of proprietary Softex material—designed to remain firm for insertion and then soften at body temperature to create a secure and comfortable seal—technology still used in aerospace and medical applications today. The interior mold is engraved with Grissom’s initials “VIG” (Virgil I. Grissom), identifying it as his personal fitted component. This example was produced as a spare and was not flown or worn in mission use.
The artifact measures approximately 1 inch square and is accompanied by its original Mid-States Laboratories identification documentation, indicating manufacture expressly for Grissom. The earpiece originates directly from the Bisel family estate and is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from Chris Bisel, confirming its history, manufacture, and astronaut attribution.
The artifact measures approximately 1 inch square and is accompanied by its original Mid-States Laboratories identification documentation, indicating manufacture expressly for Grissom. The earpiece originates directly from the Bisel family estate and is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from Chris Bisel, confirming its history, manufacture, and astronaut attribution.
Very good condition, with expected age-related surface characteristics consistent with period biomedical materials. A rare and highly personal piece of Apollo-era astronaut equipment, representing the intersection of human physiology and early spaceflight engineering.
Very good condition, with expected age-related surface characteristics consistent with period biomedical materials. A rare and highly personal piece of Apollo-era astronaut equipment, representing the intersection of human physiology and early spaceflight engineering.
Virgil “Gus” Grissom (1926–1967) was one of NASA’s original Mercury Seven astronauts and a pioneering figure in American spaceflight. He flew missions aboard Mercury-Redstone 4 (Liberty Bell 7) and Gemini 3 and was selected as commander of Apollo 1. Grissom tragically lost his life in the Apollo 1 launch pad fire in 1967, making artifacts directly associated with him especially significant to collectors of space history and aerospace engineering.
Virgil “Gus” Grissom (1926–1967) was one of NASA’s original Mercury Seven astronauts and a pioneering figure in American spaceflight. He flew missions aboard Mercury-Redstone 4 (Liberty Bell 7) and Gemini 3 and was selected as commander of Apollo 1. Grissom tragically lost his life in the Apollo 1 launch pad fire in 1967, making artifacts directly associated with him especially significant to collectors of space history and aerospace engineering.
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